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Friday, January 29, 2010

Grad School?

My Facebook status currently says: Matt and I may or may not have applied for grad school last night. Got some interesting responses already:Well, we did. Not sure if we're ready to spill all the beans because let's be honest: Matt and I can be pretty fickle people, and we tend to jump into things pretty quickly.

Where did this come from? 1) Matt loved teaching in Thailand and really thinks it might be what he would like to do as a career, as scary as it sounds to commit to a whole career.2) If he does decide to teach, he needs to get certified.3) He would want to teach overseas again.4) If he is a teacher overseas, I would like to go with him.5) It's easier for him to get a teaching job overseas at a school which will hire me too if I also have a teaching degree.6) Though teaching in Thailand definitely had it's wonderful moments, it mostly drained me and I thought I didn't want to be a teacher anymore, even that's what I thought I would want to be from middle school forward (besides a wife+mom!)... BUT we think if I have training and more prep time, I will probably feel more competent and enjoy it more.7) We have to do something we love and that makes a difference for eternity. 8) Recently, I got a letter from one of my fourth graders that made me cry and I had one of those "ah-ha moments" when I realized that though it wasn't always easy, it was a place I saw God working.9) Aimee was a teacher, and in her shortened life, there were sooooo many lives God used her in as their teacher, who have come to know Him as a result. Pretty inspiring!10) The application was free, and we'll only be charged if we actually enroll. ;)

What may be the result?-Masters of Teaching, with concentrations either in Elementary Ed, English Ed, or Special Ed.-Majority of coursework done online but 3 classes on campus.-Nationally (and Internationally) recognized teaching certification for the both of us!

Now what?1) Finish the applications. (Transcripts to be exact)2) Get financial aid, LOTS of it.3) Get started. It's only 12 classes, but they all have to be completed within 5 years.

What do you think? Really.

And, it probably goes without saying, but we'd really love your prayers for this next (possible) step and for financial aid to work out because we are not sure if we will follow through if we have to take out student loans.